Deputy mayor sorry for rules breach at rally
COUNCILLOR WAS FILMED NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING
THE deputy mayor of Leicester has apologised for not maintaining social distancing when he attended a political rally.
Councillor Piara Singh Clair was filmed giving a speech at a protest at a gurdwara as people gathered around him.
He was not wearing a face covering at the time, which people are advised to do but is not a legal requirement when outdoors.
The footage has been shared on social media and Coun Clair has been criticised by Leicester’s Conservatives, who tweeted: “Leicester’s been in lockdown for over 38 weeks...
“Is there any surprise with the actions of the city’s leaders?”
Labour’s Coun Clair, who represents the Rushey Mead ward, said he only attended the rally, a protest against reforms of farming laws in India, after he was invited to speak as he left his own morning worship at the gurdwara.
He told the Mercury: “This group was in the car park when I got back from my morning worship at the gurdwara and they asked if I would say a few words to support their cause.
“I was wearing a face covering which I took off to speak. I also began speaking in a clearer space, but as I spoke people gathered to listen and I was unable to maintain social distance, for which I apologise.
“I did not take further part in the rally after it left the car park. Police and the city council both offered advice on the running of this event.
“Although against current advice because of coronavirus, people do have the right to hold a peaceful protest.”
He is not the first Labour politician to come under fire over breaches of coronavirus restrictions.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby breached lockdown essential guidance earlier in the year when he travelled between the city and Groby on a number of occasions. He was spoken to by police and advised on the rules.
Labour councillors Rashmi Joshi and Ruma Ali also apologised after breaching the rules.
Former lord mayor of Leicester Coun Joshi was filmed not maintaining social distancing at a religious celebration and Coun Ali hosted a family barbecue in her garden when the rules prohibited it. She apologised and said she had not understood the rules.
Both were given formal warnings by Labour officials. Coun Joshi was also advised by the police after the incident.
Conservative North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen said the behaviour of some of the city’s Labour politicians had been “inexcusable”.
He said: “Following the recent much publicised antics of the Leicester deputy mayor, I have lobbied (Health Secretary) Matt Hancock again and he has assured me that my constituency will be decoupled from Leicester, which will allow us to move to a lower tier of Covid restrictions.”
The government has said review the tiers tomorrow. it will